The Canadians didn’t waste any time opening the scoring, making good on their first shot; Tyler Benson (Edmonton, Alta./Vancouver, WHL) dug a puck out in the corner before feeding Girard, whose point shot found its way through the five-hole of Koziak.

That would remain the game’s lone goal through 40 minutes, despite a combined seven power plays in the first two periods – four for Slovakia, and three for Canada Black.

The Canadians finally doubled their lead four minutes into the third period; Pascal Laberge (Sainte-Martine, Que./Gatineau, QMJHL) fed Jake Bean (Calgary, Alta./Calgary, WHL) and he dropped for Volcan, whose shot snuck under Koziak’s arm for the 2-0 goal.

Solensky got the comeback started for Slovakia at 10:15 of the final frame, taking the puck off a Canadian defenceman before surprising Reilly Pickard (Halifax, N.S./Baie-Comeau, QMJHL) with a quick shot.

Less than 90 seconds later, it was Cacho’s turn to benefit from a Canadian turnover, as his wrist shot beat Pickard through the legs to tie the game, silencing the pro-Canadian crowd at The Shores Recreation Centre.Both teams went goalless on the power play; Canada Black was 0-for-5, while Slovakia finished 0-for-2.